Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am appealing to late drop MATH 121 (Fall/Winter 2013/2014). I had previously been granted an extension on the final examination, and currently have an IN in place of a grade on my transcript.

I was suffering from depression for the majority of the last academic year (2013-2014), although I was not diagnosed until April 2014. I was able to complete the majority of my coursework in the Fall semester, however, my mental health steadily deteriorated during the Winter semester, which made it extremely difficult to complete my full year courses. My mental condition severely affected my academic performance as I often found it difficult to focus and struggled with completing much of my coursework and attending classes. I was able to complete two of my four full year courses and take the examinations in April 2014. I was only able to complete these courses (CHEM 112 and PSYC 100) as a result of my previous knowledge of the material from high school. However, due to my lack of previous experience in Physics and Calculus, I was forced to defer my exams for MATH 121 and PHYS 117 as I would not have been able to complete them without further damaging my mental health. Over the summer I attempted to study for both subjects but found it extremely difficult to understand the material of MATH 121. I was able to study for Physics because I was able to secure a tutor and am planning on taking the deferred exam in the first week of the Fall 2014 semester. I believe that attempting to complete MATH 121 at present would be detrimental to my well being, and further extending the deadline would only serve to induce more anxiety. I have been in contact with Health and Counselling services, as well as Professor Ableson (the course coordinator) and both parties agree that dropping the course would be the best course of action at present.

Following my diagnosis, I have begun therapy and medications that can help me maintain a good level of mental health. Unfortunately, I did not have access to the above during the summer as I was with my family in East Africa. However, I will be seeing a counsellor on a weekly basis over the next few months in order to ensure that the events of the last academic year are not repeated. I am also getting involved with the peer-mentoring program as a mentee, which should help me keep on track. I plan on submitting a request to the Biology department to take MATH 126 as a replacement for MATH 121 as it is less challenging calculus course. If my request is denied, I will be re-taking MATH 121 either over the summer next year or during my third year at Queen¿¿s when my mental health is hopefully at an improved level. I plan on taking the course in Kingston in order to have access to my professors and a tutor, if need be, in order to understand the course material better.